Credits:

Cage, John

Description:

The young string ensemble gives their all in this Tchaikovsky! SACD hybrid disc. United Strings of Europe is led by Lebanese-British violinist Julian Azcourt. This London-based group of young players of all ethnic backgrounds has released two concept albums on the BIS label, but this album is dedicated to the sole composer Tchaikovsky. The only original for string orchestra is "Serenade for Strings," and the others were arranged by Azcourt for the group. All of them, including the Serenade, are composed of 1st and 2nd violins, viola 4, cello 3, and double bass 1, and are played standing, except for the cello, which is played standing, giving the appearance of an old music ensemble. The rapid unison movement of "Memories of Florence" is also terrifyingly precise and tense, giving us a glimpse into the darkness of Tchaikovsky's mind. The glossy and powerful string world is captured by BIS's high-quality recording, making it perfect from an audio standpoint as well. The final piece, "Dream Before Sleep," from Tchaikovsky's earliest student days, is also moving.Originally a chant-like piece for unaccompanied mixed chorus, Azcourt's skillful arrangement matches the sound of the strings well. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48~I. Pezzo in forma di sonatina. Andante non troppo - Allegro moderato
2.Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48~II. Walzer. Moderato
3.Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48~III. Elegie. Larghetto elegiaco
4.Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48~IV. Finale (Tema russo). Andante - Allegro con spirito
5.String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11~Andante cantabile
6.String Sextet in D minor, 'Souvenir de Florence' Op. 70~I. Allegro con spirito
7.String Sextet in D minor, 'Souvenir de Florence' Op. 70~II. Adagio cantabile e con moto
8.String Sextet in D minor, 'Souvenir de Florence' Op. 70~III. Allegretto moderato
9.String Sextet in D minor, 'Souvenir de Florence' Op. 70~IV. Allegro con brio e vivace
10.At Bedtime (Na son gryadushchiy) for mixed chorus a cappella